Impact assessment of socio-economic and cultural life of the displaced people: A case study of colab hydro electric project in Odisha

In backward areas Displacement occurs as one of the outcome of development. When projects are undertaken to promote development, there come the question of population displacement. It is often seen that displacement is associated a variety of interventions as well. The relocation of the displaced population to new sites is an issue that is getting increasingly contentious. Projects that involve population displacement invariably give rise to a set of complex economic, social and environmental problems, which need to be addressed with care and sensitivity. Displacement causes cultural shock for culturally rich communities, specially the tribal. A holistic approach is needed to evaluate the socio-economic and cultural changes occurred as a result of such displacement. Over 50, 700 tribal people comprising around 3000 families with 206 villages were displaced due to KOLAB HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT at Koraput district of Odisha. The illiteracy and ignorance are the main hindrances for the development of tribal peoples in the region because they were not able to understand the rehabilitation schemes of the government.